Estimation of genomic instability and mutation induction by graphene oxide nanoparticles in mice liver and brain tissues

The rapidly growing interest in using graphene-based nanoparticles in a wide range of applications increases human exposure and risk. However, very few studies have investigated the genotoxicity and mutagenicity of the widely used graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles in vivo. Consequently, this study estimated the possible genotoxicity and mutagenicity of GO nanoparticles as well as possible oxidative stress induction in the mice liver and brain tissues. Nano-GO particles administration at the dose levels of 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg for one or five consecutive days significantly increased the DNA breakages in a dose-dependent manner that disrupts the genetic material and causes genomic instability. GO nanoparticles also induced mutations in the p53 (exons 6&7) and presenilin (exon 5) genes as well as increasing the expression of p53 protein. Positive p53 reaction in the liver (hepatic parenchyma) and brain (cerebrum, cerebellum, and hippocampus) sections showed significant increase of p53 immunostaining. Additionally, induction of oxidative stress was proven by the significant dose-dependent increases in the malondialdehyde level and reductions in both the level of reduced glutathione and activity of glutathione peroxidase observed in GO nanoparticles administered groups. Acute and subacute oral administration of GO nanoparticles induced genomic instability and mutagenicity by induction of oxidative stress in the mice liver and brain tissues.